Festival of the Returned
Reconnect to Your Roots, Discover the legacy in your DNA; Reclaim the story that is yours and Connect to the Home of your Ancestors
Our Mission:
To guide African Americans on a multi-step journey of self-discovery, from DNA testing and local community building to a life-changing pilgrimage to their ancestral homelands.
Our Vision:
A future where every member of the African diaspora knows their roots, belongs to a strong local and global family, and has the opportunity to experience a spiritual homecoming.
Our Values:
Empathy, Authenticity, Community, Belonging, Homecoming. We believe this journey is a sacred one, and we are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.
Our Strategy:
We offer DNA kits and expert analysis to reveal your ancestral story. We then connect you with a local community of shared descent before facilitating the ultimate journey home through our Festival of the Returned.
The First Step: Unlocking Your Story with DNA
The journey to understanding who you are begins with a single question: Where do I come from? For centuries, the answer was lost to us. Today, science provides the key.
We help you take that first, powerful step by offering DNA kits for self-testing. Once you’ve collected your sample, you send it to us.
Our dedicated team then analyzes the results to trace your lineage back to its origins on the African continent. This isn’t just data; it’s the beginning of a conversation with your ancestors, and we are here to be your trusted guides.
Finding Your Family: A Home in Minnesota
Receiving your results is a profound moment, but the most powerful discovery is learning that you are not alone. Our core purpose is to connect you with others right here in and around Minnesota who are of the same descent. We help you find your people—the “cousins” you never knew you had.
To nurture these new bonds, we welcome you into our vibrant diaspora family. We make sure you feel at home from day one by regularly hosting:
- Community Meetups: Casual gatherings to share stories and build friendships.
- Information Seminars: Educational events to explore the history and traditions of our ancestral lands.
- Cultural Events: Joyful celebrations that bring all members of the African diaspora together, fostering strong ties and a unified identity.
The Ultimate Homecoming: The Festival of the Returned
For those who feel the call to complete the circle, we facilitate the ultimate pilgrimage: the Festival of the Returned. This is more than a trip; it is a spiritual homecoming, a major celebration honoring people of the diaspora returning to their ancestral land.
On this journey, you are not a tourist; you are family. You will be welcomed by traditional kings and political leaders, participate in sacred ancestral and naming ceremonies, and be fully immersed in the culture.
This festival is the culmination of your journey—transforming a scientific discovery and a local connection into a profound, life-changing experience on the soil of your ancestors.
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Join Our Journey - Become a Part of the Story
This is more than a mission; it is a movement of the heart, a celebration of the unity and strength of the African diaspora.We are the generation that is rebuilding bridges to our heritage and creating a powerful legacy for our children. Your support is the foundation of this work. Join us by donating to our cause, volunteering your time, or attending our events. Together, we can empower our community, preserve our cultures, and ensure the flame of our heritage burns brighter than ever.